Bola Kirsten Mortensen

Bola Kirsten Mortensen (Bertha Christine Mortensen) is the sixth of eight children born to Niels Mortensen and Mettie Hansen, both of Denmark.

The Mortensen family immigrated to America, sailing on the ship “Kenilworth.” While on the ship, passengers suffered from many illnesses including scarlet fever.

After arriving in America, the family traveled to Nebraska and with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they joined the Peter Nebeker Company bound for the Salt Lake Valley.

The company was scheduled to leave August 7, 1866. Many of the travelers were already weakened from illnesses suffered while crossing the ocean. The day before leaving, 1-year-old Bola Kirsten passed away due to illnesses contracted on the ship. She was buried in Nebraska. Her older sister, Josephine, died three days later.